Jakarta. Jakarta's Thousand Islands district used its 16th birthday celebration this week as an opportunity to start preparing for the 2018 Asian Games 2018.

The Thousand Islands Festival, which kicked off on Monday (06/11) and ends this weekend, saw several events, including a beach cleanup action, musical performances and various contests organized by tourism industry stakeholders.

"This is a mature age. The most important thing is that we are ready to welcome foreign visitors during the Asian Games and push forward tourism the agenda to become a world-class destination," Thousand Islands district head Irmansyah said during the festival's opening ceremony at Lapangan Bupati on Pramuka Island.

He called on residents to warmly welcome visitors and keep the islands clean.

The Ministry of Tourism expects thousands of athletes, officials and supporters from 45 countries to visit Jakarta during next year's Asian Games.

Esthy Reko Astuti, deputy for tourism development at the ministry, meanwhile expressed her support for Irmansyah's sentiment.

Preparations have been taking place since April with roadshows in various cities in Indonesia to encourage various industries and associations to design tourism packages for Asian Games participants.

"We must use the momentum well," Esthy said.

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya added that the Asian Games are his ministry's main points of focus. The ministry started in April to include the Asian Games 2018 Indonesia logo in all marketing activities and promotions of Indonesian tourism in various countries.